A41649:227
A word to sinners, and a word to saints The former tending to the…
A word to sinners, and a word to saints The former tending to the awakening the consciences of secure sinners, unto a lively sense and apprehension of the dreadful condition they are in, so long as they live in their natural and unregenerate estate. The latter tending to the directing and persuading of the godly and regenerate unto several singular duties. As also a word to householders stirring them up to the good old way of serving God in and with their families, from Joshua's resolution, Josh. 24. 15. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Set forth especially for the use and benefit of the inhabitants of St. Sepulchres Parish, London by Tho. Gouge, late pastor thereof.A word to sinners, and a word to saints The former tending to the awakening the consciences of secure sinners, unto a lively sense and apprehension of the dreadfull condition they are in, so long as they live in their natural and unregenerate estate. The latter tending to the directing and perswading of the godly and regenerate unto several singular duties. As also a word to housholders stirring them up to the good old way of serving God in and with their families, from Joshuah's resolution, Josh. 24. 15. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Set forth especially for the use and benefit of the inhabitants of St. Sepulchres Parish, London by Tho. Gouge, late pastor thereof.
London: printed for George Sawbridge, 1668
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Ah sinner! How doth it concern thee to retire into some secret place, and there seriously to ponder on this day of judgement? Ask thine heart this question, Is it certain there will be a day of judgement, or no? If it be certain; Oh then why do I not prepare for it, by breaking off my sins, and making my peace with God, before that day come upon me? why do I not labour for an interest in Christ, by whom alone I can be freed from eternal death and condemnation?1 why do I not now give all diligence to make my Calling and Election sure? Oh sinner, reason thus with thy self; thou knowest not of what advantage a few such serious thoughts may be to thy soul.
- 1Rom. 8.1.
When Paul Preached to the Athenians, he urged them to repent and turn from their sins, from this very ground and reason,1 Because the Lord had appointed a day in which he will judge the World in righteousness. Oh repent therefore, and turn ye from your wicked ways, for why will ye dye and perish eternally in your sins? Seek unto the Lord while he may be found, and call upon him while he is nigh. Christ now stands knocking at the door of thine heart, by the Ministers of his Word, the motions of his Spirit, and checks of thine own Conscience. Oh give him speedy and willing entertainment. The time will come when thou wilt knock with the foolish Virgins, and shalt not be heard: and repent with Judas, and not be accepted. For the Lord will have his day when thine is past, and a day of Judgement for thy punishment, that didst slight and reject the day of mercy for thine amendment.
When Paul Preached to the Athenians, he urged them to repent and turn from their sins, from this very ground and reason,1